Advanced Imaging Solutions for Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original intravascular ultrasound imaging device to develop novel systems and methods for inspecting and maintaining infrastructure, agricultural irrigation systems, industrial equipment, aircraft fuel tanks, and water treatment systems.
Background and Problem Solved
The original intravascular ultrasound imaging device was limited to medical applications. However, the need for advanced imaging solutions extends to various industries where infrastructure inspection and maintenance are critical. Current methods often rely on manual inspections, which can be time-consuming, costly, and inaccurate. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the original technology to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities for a wide range of industrial applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into various infrastructure, such as pipes, conduits, or confined spaces. The imaging assembly at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member is configured to generate high-resolution images of the internal surface or components of the infrastructure. The imaging assembly can be adapted for different applications, including infrastructure inspection, agricultural irrigation system monitoring, industrial equipment inspection, aircraft fuel tank inspection, and water treatment system monitoring.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the original intravascular ultrasound imaging technology to entirely different industries, providing a non-obvious solution to the problem of infrastructure inspection and maintenance. The inventive concept's adaptability to various industrial applications and its ability to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities make it a significant improvement over existing methods.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include modifications to the flexible elongate member, such as varying its material, size, or shape, to accommodate different infrastructure types. Additionally, the imaging assembly could be modified to incorporate different imaging modalities, such as optical coherence tomography or fluorescence imaging, to enhance its capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including infrastructure inspection, agriculture, industrial equipment maintenance, aerospace, and water treatment. The market demand for advanced imaging solutions in these industries is substantial, and the inventive concept's ability to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities makes it an attractive solution for companies seeking to improve their inspection and maintenance processes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4483 |
| H | H05 | H05K1/189 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical and industrial imaging technologies, specifically flexible endoscopic and diagnostic imaging systems with a focus on ultrasound and high-resolution internal inspection techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in medical device engineering, biomedical imaging, mechanical engineering, and cross-domain sensor technologies with knowledge of flexible imaging systems, signal processing, and adaptive sensing techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the core imaging technology disclosed in the source patent for intravascular ultrasound can be readily adapted to alternative inspection domains by modifying the flexible elongate member and imaging assembly configuration. The fundamental technical principles of generating high-resolution internal images using a flexible probe are transferable across multiple technical domains with predictable results. The PTD demonstrates a straightforward extension of known medical imaging technologies to infrastructure and industrial inspection applications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,362 |
|---|---|
| Title | Imaging assembly for intravascular imaging device and associated devices, systems, and methods |
| Assignee(s) | PHILIPS IMAGE GUIDED THERAPY CORPORATION |